Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce is a combination of sweet-spicy-tangy-goodness that will light a fire under your tastebuds. Its origins are uncertain but the addictive mixture can be found on everything from ham sandwiches to cream cheese appetizers.
Shopping List
For this recipe you'll need:
- Pineapple preserves - you can also use apricot preserves.
- Crushed pineapple
- Apple jelly
- Prepared horseradish
- Spicy brown mustard
- Brown sugar - I prefer light brown for this
- Candied jalapenos - optional;
- Bourbon - or use ginger ale in an equal amount if you prefer
Tips and Tricks
Jezebel sauce is super easy to make but since mine has a few extra steps here are some tips to keep it easy.
- Be sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the crushed pineapple as you can before caramelizing. It will make it faster and easier.
- Add the bourbon in just before removing from heat or the flavor will cook right out.
- If you can let your Jezebel sauce sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving it the flavors will mellow out a lot.
- Jezebel sauce will last in the refrigerator for several weeks as long as it's in a tightly covered glass jar.
- This makes great gifts put in small, pretty jars and raffia tied around the top.
How to Serve Jezebel Sauce
There are more ways to serve this intriguing sauce recipe than stars in the sky. Here are some of my favorites.
- Try it as a spread for ham sandwiches.
- Spoon it over pork chops.
- Brush it on chicken before baking.
- Add a spoonful of Jezebel sauce to a sausage biscuit.
- Cover a block of cream cheese with it, microwave for until it's warmed through and the cream cheese is soft, and serve it with crackers.
- Serve with coconut shrimp or any kind of shrimp, really.
- So good on a charcuterie board.
How long does Jezebel sauce last?
It will last about 2 - 3 weeks in the fridge if you haven't used it before then.
What's the History?
Who knows?
In the south everyone lays claim to the good recipes. It's for sure a southern thing but whether it began in Alabama or Mississippi or some other place?
No one knows.
It's named after a lady of rather questionable morals in the Bible... I always thought it was because the sauce is simply hot and sinful.
More Appetizer Recipes
Here are some more favorite appetizer and dip recipes!
- Baked Brie with Apples and Bacon comes together easily and has just a few ingredients, but will have your guests swooning.
- Homemade Onion Dip recipe is so easy to make for parties and game day snacking. The flavor is robust with caramelized onions and tangy Greek yogurt.
- Sausage Cheese Balls are a Southern classic – an easy appetizer recipe that is perfect to take to holiday parties and potlucks.
Jezebel Sauce Recipe
Jezebel sauce is good for so many things! My jazzed up version is a little spicier than most of the tradition recipes you'll see. I've added my candied jalapenos for a little extra heat and blackened the pineapple for a little more flavor. A splash of bourbon smooths it all out.
Southern Jezebel Sauce
Print Pin Recipe SaveIngredients
- ⅓ cup crushed pineapple
- 8 ounces pineapple preserves
- 8 ounces apple jelly
- 5 ounces prepared horseradish
- 6 ounces spicy brown mustard
- ⅓ cup candied jalapeno, , chopped - optional
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon
Instructions
- Drain the crushed pineapple and pat dry - place it on a flame proof baking sheet.
- Using a plumber's torch caramelize the pineapple, stirring often, until it is well speckled with black spots. Or use the broiler but watch carefully.
- Add to a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients except the bourbon.
- Simmer, stirring often, until the mixture reduces and thickens - about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the bourbon and simmer 2 more minutes.
- Refrigerate over night to allow flavors to mellow.
- Store in refrigerator.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze as much moisture out of the pineapple as you can before caramelizing. It will make it faster and easier.
- Add the bourbon in just before removing the sauce from heat or the flavor will cook right out.
- If you can let your Jezebel sauce sit in the refrigerator overnight before serving it the flavors will mellow out a lot.
- Jezebel sauce will last in the refrigerator for several weeks as long as it's in a tightly covered glass jar.
- Try it as a spread for ham sandwiches.
- Spoon it over pork chops.
- Brush it on chicken breast before baking.
- Add a spoonful of Jezebel sauce to a sausage biscuit.
- Try it as a spread for ham sandwiches.
- Spoon it over pork chops.
- Brush it on chicken before baking.
- Add a spoonful of Jezebel sauce to a sausage biscuit.
- Cover a block of cream cheese with it, microwave for until it's warmed through and the cream cheese is soft, and serve it with crackers.
- Serve with coconut shrimp or any kind of shrimp, really.
- So good on a charcuterie board.
Karen
Hi, Marye! This sauce sounds wonderful! If I wanted to can it, would I use a hot water bath?
Thanks!
Marye
This doesn't have enough acid to can safely, Karen. It will keep in the fridge for a week or two though.
Regina
Where do I purchase candied jalapeños? Can you make the candied jalapeños easily?
Marye
My recipe is right here, Regina..and also linked it in the post - it's so easy! https://www.restlesschipotle.com/candied-jalapenos/
Susan the Farm Quilter
BTW, the link to the Dip Off is broken.
Susan the Farm Quilter
Thanks for linking this recipe to Southern Plate's Meal Plan Monday!! This sauce sounds like it would be fabulous with lots of foods! I'll have to make it really soon!!!